Strategic Academic Guidance for Grades 7-12
A boutique advisory helping high‑achieving students navigate high school with clarity, confidence, and intention — and prepare for exceptional post‑secondary opportunities in Canada, the U.S., and beyond.
Who We Serve
Motivated students in Grades 7–12, and families who want clarity, structure, and trusted guidance through high‑school planning, academic decisions, and competitive admissions.
What We Do
We help students build a clear, strategic, and meaningful pathway through high school — one that aligns with who they are and where they want to go.
Academic Pathway Design
Strategic course selection, IB/AP guidance, and long‑term planning aligned with each student’s goals.
Experiential Learning & Portfolio Development
Holistic guidance for selective programs, including timelines, positioning, and application strategy.
Subject-Specific Academic Support
Targeted tutoring that reinforces skills, builds confidence, and supports long‑term academic success.
Ivy League, U.S. & Competitive Admissions
Curated extracurriculars, passion projects, and meaningful experiences that strengthen student identity and competitive profiles.
Our Approach
We offer high‑touch, individualized support that integrates academic planning, curated experiential learning, and competitive admissions strategy. Our work is intentional, student‑centered, and grounded in deep expertise across the Ontario education landscape. Every plan is personalized, purposeful, and designed to help students thrive — now and in the future.
Meet the Team
Carla Cernic
Founder & Lead Academic ConsultantAs the founder of Pathways by Design, I bring over two decades of experience in guidance, curriculum development, and student support. I help students understand their strengths, make informed academic decisions, and build pathways that reflect who they are and where they want to go. Families trust me to provide clarity, discretion, and thoughtful guidance through every stage of high‑school planning and competitive admissions.
With 15+ years as a high‑school math teacher and private tutor, Bo provides targeted, subject‑specific support that strengthens foundational understanding and builds confidence. His calm, structured approach helps students embrace learning, overcome challenges, and excel in their coursework.
Lead Academic TutorBo Cernic
Why Families Choose Us
Because they want a trusted partner who understands the complexities of high‑school planning and competitive admissions — and who provides discreet, expert guidance tailored to their child’s goals. Our boutique, family‑run model ensures continuity, trust, and a level of care that larger services simply cannot match.
Success Stories
From “You won’t get into university” to top business programs
A Grade 12 student was told by his guidance counsellor that he didn’t qualify for university. He shut down, stopped trying, and assumed the door was closed.
Together, we rebuilt his confidence, identified business programs that genuinely fit, realigned his courses, and created a clear, strategic application plan.
He was admitted to his top business programs — a complete turnaround made possible by the right pathway and the right support.
Turning athletic commitment into academic opportunity
This Grade 11 competitive athlete spent weekends coaching and running a community soccer program. We reviewed his pathway plan, built a leadership narrative around his extracurriculars, and developed a clear admissions strategy. We also identified and secured PLAR credits for his coaching work, opening space in his schedule for additional training.
The result: a strong, authentic student‑athlete profile — strategically aligned and positioned for competitive programs.
From unsure Grade 10 student to U of T scholar
This Grade 10 student had strong potential but lacked direction — and their confidence reflected that. Together, we explored their interests, built a strategic academic pathway, and connected them with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health Mentorship Program at the University of Toronto.
With aligned courses and meaningful leadership‑focused extracurriculars, their performance and confidence grew. They were ultimately accepted to the University of Toronto with a scholarship — a quiet turning point that reshaped their trajectory.
Book a Private Consultation
A confidential conversation to understand your child’s needs and next steps.